Federation Square

Corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets
Melbourne, Australia

Federation Square is a creative mix of attractions and public open spaces in the heart of Melbourne, Australia.

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Why It Works

Federation Square is the size of an entire city block and incorporates an array of attractions that are symbolic of all that is great about Melbourne, including fine art, hospitality, bold architecture and a vibrant calendar of events. It hosts the Ian Potter Centre: NGV Australia (home of the world's largest Australian art collection) and the Australian Centre for the Moving Image, in addition to a broad range of restaurants, cafes and shops. The new amphitheatre, BMW Edge, is a stunning public space equipped with the latest in performance technology, positioning it as a unique architectural venue.

What Makes Federation Square a Great Place?

Federation Square is situated on the busiest intersection in central Melbourne, across the road from Flinders Street Train Station and at the most prominent section of Melbourne's busy tram network. Whether traveling on foot, by rail, bike, car, tram, or any other means, there is no other place in Melbourne's CBD that is as easy to get to. Federation Square connects the city with the Yarra River precinct and is built over a railway, creating new connections from Melbourne's CBD to the River.

Federation Square provides a central and unifying square for Melbourne, a place to gather and meet in times of fun and in times of protest. It operates around the clock with security and cleaning staff present 24 hours, meaning it is a safe and welcoming place at all hours.

Within the first six months of opening, an estimated three million people have visited Federation Square, exceeding all expectations of visitation. Recent surveys highlight that a significant number of visitors are interstate and international tourists.

Weekends are the busiest time, with families taking advantage of the array of events and exhibitions to see at Federation Square. It has rapidly been absorbed into the local 'scene.'

Contact Info:

fedsq@fedsq.com

User Comments:

> Add your own comment about Federation Square

06/10/03 brad miles said:: I totally agree that Fed Square is great as would anyone that has been there and seen the beautiful plaza all lit up with budlights. The big glass building was also pretty wild.
08/22/03 Grace Taylor said:: I think it's really interesting, but not entirely user-friendly as a public space. It could be really difficult to access for people in wheel chairs or with prams, although for myself I found the abstractness quite inspiring.
12/16/03 donald bates said:: Federation Square has had more than 6 million visitors in its first year. This is several million more than the Sydney Opera House. The project has received many state, national and international architectural and design awards. After the first year, Federation Square is truly centered in the public consciousness of Melbourne and has become the major public meeting and gathering space. It has re-defined how Melbourne operates.
01/01/04 Sally Freeman said:: You would not believe the amount of fuss this building caused - it has provided only too ample material for my thesis on the struggle for power and control in public works. I think it is a tribute to the space and buildings that even after all the bickering and arguments and hatred, which are still very recent, it is widely used and generally well liked. The square itself is particularly lovely, as is the gallery.
05/16/06 grace smith said:: I agree that Federation Square is a great place and I have been there before. It’s wonderful and I also agree that the horse museum is very well done as well. As a shot history they really have achieved a lot. Well done
06/28/06 Katie Salay said:: An article posted on The Age says: "After a contentious birth, Federation Square during the World Cup rightfully took its place as a post-modern village green."

Read the full text of this article here.
06/01/07 Jess Jurisic said:: OMG!!! my uncle helped build fed square. so cool